It's just that since these things are so expensive, then one considers, whether one could "get the same with a $49 VST".

It's really a personal thing, that comes down to budget..are you willing to pay the asking price..or spend it on software? And that's going to lead you right into the age-old war over which is better..software or hardware.

Just like most software VSTs, each unit has something of it's own to offer..and it comes down to do you want that "something" enough to justify paying the price. Do you're homework and if you can find a VST that you feel comes close enough to the unit's sound, and price is an issue, then go with the VST.

On the other hand, if money isn't a problem and you like the unit, then why would you NOT buy it?

It's really up to you in the end, as none of us can tell you what's right for you.only you can know that..and to know that, you'll need to read a few reviews and try out a few VST demos..it's basically up to you to find out if rack units are for you or not.

There's no reason to go modular for basic synthesis. Rackmounts, keyboards and VSTs have that covered for a fraction of the cost. The reason to go modular is for the things you can't find elsewhere MakeNoise, Mutable, NLC, etc all have units that are hard or impossible to replicate in software and can give you a unique sound. A lot of it could be reproduced with something like Max but it'd require a knowledge of both programming and Max as well as an idea of how to replicate what the circuits are doing electrically/mathematically.

If you want to sort of get an idea of what modular can do, try out Reaktor or Softube Modular and play around. Listen to some demos on youtube of common and well-liked modular from modulargrid and see if they're a good fit for you. Maybe put together a basic rack on MG and see what it'd cost you to get started. Cost, space and time are all important considerations when it comes to modular so plan accordingly.

Yeah dude, Pretty much what everyone said. It's an expensive investment, In addition probably a lifetime of adding/swapping. The best advice I can give you is get at least a vague idea of what your desired result is in your modular set up. Taking notes on that will help you to avoid sensory overload and clouded decision making. For example Ive got laid out a build on the concept of soundscapes and a live setting integration, Since I've a DrmBrute, I've no real need for the 303 or 808 modules because it goes against the golden rule of practicality and I could be putting any amount of money toward something else, Like the damn Micrologue I encountered at the pawn shop on the corner while looking for bass guitars. Now why not modular, It works really well with the DrumBrute so yeah, Im gonna make that jump. ( I mean It already set back in layaway, be damned some random gets it and fails to realize what it is.

Also, research what you are currently thinking about investing in and ask yourself, will it work with my current setup?

There's no reason to go modular for basic synthesis. Rackmounts, keyboards and VSTs have that covered for a fraction of the cost. The reason to go modular is for the things you can't find elsewhere MakeNoise, Mutable, NLC, etc all have units that are hard or impossible to replicate in software and can give you a unique sound. A lot of it could be reproduced with something like Max but it'd require a knowledge of both programming and Max as well as an idea of how to replicate what the circuits are doing electrically/mathematically.

If you want to sort of get an idea of what modular can do, try out Reaktor or Softube Modular and play around. Listen to some demos on youtube of common and well-liked modular from modulargrid and see if they're a good fit for you. Maybe put together a basic rack on MG and see what it'd cost you to get started. Cost, space and time are all important considerations when it comes to modular so plan accordingly.

Good point.

Personally I'm not looking for modulars in order to do stuff that software already does, but rather I'm looking at modules that do things that nothing else does. E.g. Mutable Instruments Clouds.